With access to the best dermatologists, facialists and products in the world, knowing the best in class when it comes to skincare is part and parcel of being a supermodel. Based on this, I tend to trust the complexion recommendations of these women. And one brand that comes highly endorsed by beauty luminaries globally is Augustinus Bader.
Developed by Prof Augustinus Bader MD, PhD, a world-renowned expert in stem cell research, the eponymous brand launched in 2018 and quickly totted up hoards of A List customers, such as supermodels Hailey Bieber and Naomi Campbell, plus celebrities like Kim Kardashian, Margot Robbie and Victoria Beckham. Pop sensation Dua Lipa even released her own line in partnership with founder Bader himself, named Dua by AB.
AT A GLANCE
Augustinus Bader is a world-renowned expert in stem cell research who launched his eponymous skincare line in 2018
The brand is loved by A Listers, including Hailey Bieber, Margot Robbie and Kim Kardashian
Cult Augustinus Bader products include The Cream, The Rich Cream and brand new Vitamin C Serum
Augustinus Bader is renowned for its patented Trigger Factor Complex (TFC8, if you want to get technical). It’s a blend of natural amino acids, high-grade vitamins, peptides and bio-identical molecules naturally found in the skin. When infused into formulas and applied to the skin, they enhance intercellular communication and nutrient transportation to cells, duly supporting cell renewal. TFC8, in particular, is designed to work with every skin type, as it adapts to suit the individual needs of each face.
Augustinus Bader is a supermodel’s skincare secret weapon
Backed by science and loved by beauty icons, Augustinus Bader sounds like the kind of skincare you’d want to try, right? Me too. But there’s a caveat here: the products don’t come cheap. In fact, the brand’s Cleansing Balm, legendary The Cream and brand new Vitamin C Serum will set you back a collective $779 if you’re in the US, or £606 if you’re in the UK. Ouch!
What happened when I used Augustinus Bader products for a week?
In the interest of beauty journalism, I tested a costly Augustinus Bader three-step regime to see if it truly yields supermodel skin. In a nutshell, the transformation to my face was quick and entirely irritation-free. Within days, the serum gave my complexion luminous clarity, while the moisturiser was so effective that a separate eye cream became redundant. I looked like me, just better. In the evenings, the cleansing balm effortlessly dissolved my makeup while preserving my skin barrier. In conclusion, this trio feels like a considered investment in resilient skin.
Ahead, I break down every step of my new Augustinus Bader skincare routine and delve deeper into the science powering the products…
Step 1: The Vitamin C Serum
As I’m currently not cleansing in the morning (I’ve heard it preserves the skin’s natural, protective oils and microbiome), the first step of my skincare routine was The Vitamin C Serum. For this, I rubbed two pumps into my hands and then applied it in upward, sweeping motions over my face and neck.
The cushiony, water-light formula absorbed quickly without tackiness. Better yet, it didn’t irritate my skin at all, which is a common complaint I tend to have with vitamin C products. My face was immediately brighter after applying the serum – and within just three days, I noticed a big change in texture and perceived hydration levels.
The verdict: It’s a yes from me. This serum wasted no time brightening my dull complexion without irritation. My skin was noticeably more supple in a mere 72 hours, and the radiance it deposited seems to have become a long-term improvement to my face.
Step 2: The Cream
Full transparency: I’ve tried Augustinus Bader’s Rich Cream before. But my skin seems to have taken an oilier turn in recent months, so I called upon the lighter formula of the OG: The Cream. I applied it to my face approximately two minutes after the serum to give each product enough time to work its magic.
The lightweight texture felt immediately refreshing, and I soon learned that little goes a long way with it – more so than The Rich Cream. After just a few days of use (like the serum) I noticed a big change in my complexion. My face felt more balanced, and thus plumper and smoother. The Cream seemed to amplify the glow given by the serum, and I felt like it was locking all that serum-y goodness into my cells.
I also noticed that, after just a week of using this moisturiser, the fine lines and persistent dark circles around my eyes appeared significantly diminished. While $315/£250 for a 50ml bottle is undeniably an investment, it feels far less indulgent when you consider its efficacy – so impressive, in fact, that it easily replaces a traditional eye cream as well.
The verdict: This moisturiser is perfect if you suffer from oily or sensitive skin. It’s rich enough to deliver a good drink of hydration and serious nourishment, but not too heavy to exacerbate complexion issues. And it doubles up as an eye cream. What a multitasker.
Step 3: The Cleansing Balm
I love a cleansing balm. In my opinion, it’s the best way to remove makeup at the end of the day – and this one beats every other tub in my bathroom cabinet. I used my fingertips to massage a pea-sized amount in, paying special attention to areas where dirt, oil and stubborn makeup accumulate, and then added water to emulsify it and continue massaging, before washing off with cold water.
The balm-to-oil formula felt so luxurious on my face. The way it dissolved my makeup was effortless – and even more impressive knowing that it wasn’t disrupting my skin barrier. It’s non-comedogenic and leaves no residue on the face, so the clean was super deep without feeling compromising.
The verdict: This is the best cleansing balm I’ve ever used. The fact it’s suitable for all skin types is a big win to me too, as my skin changes constantly throughout the year, depending on the weather, season and my lifestyle.
We hope you love the products we recommend. We may receive compensation via a service called Linkby when you click on the links in this article. We only collaborate with brands on Linkby that align with our values and develop products that our team approves of. Prices accurate and items in stock at time of publication.
